Treating ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is complex in that it affects people in different ways. Diagnosis is difficult because no rigid guideline of symptoms exists; in fact, one patient may exhibit behaviors completely unlike those of another patient with the same disorder. While inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity all generally plague sufferers, they are all broad categorical headlines that manifest themselves in different ways. Treatment for ADHD, therefore, requires a plan tailored to each individual case. An elementary-aged patient who cannot focus and fidgets constantly will be treated much differently than a middle school student whose ADHD-induced symptoms have caused deeply-rooted problems like anxiety and depression. Medical professionals often utilize medication and psychotherapy, either independent of one another or in tandem, to treat children and adults with ADHD.
Medicinal remedies for ADHD are abundant and depend largely on the age and situation of each patient. The most commonly used medicines for this disorder – especially for children – fall under the category of “stimulant.” These are most often taken in pill form (though some come in liquid and skin patch), and typically have a calming effect on patients. With the proper dose, stimulants will tame hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some common examples are Adderall (pill), Daytrana (patch), and Desoxyn (liquid). Most of these come with short-acting, long-acting, and extended-release options, and while the ingredients are the same regardless of dose, the overall effect caters specifically to the needs of different ADHD patients.
“Antipsychotics” differ from stimulants in that they block dopamine (while stimulants trigger their release), acting in effect as extreme sedatives. Antipsychotics are very much a last-resort option for many doctors, and they represent a controversial alternative in ADHD treatment because they are virtually untested and unproven. Many of these medications are accompanied by unpleasant side-effects like weight-gain and dysphoria, and are not always a healthy option for many patients.
Most treatment plans for ADHD include some form of psychotherapy, though very different approaches are used throughout the broad spectrum of cases. Behavioral therapy is commonly used with children and involves assistance from a counselor to help organize workload and sort through stressful events. Most programs also instruct children on how to monitor their own behavior by implementing a structured routine in which they keep close track of things like school work, chores, and activities. Many schools now have learning specialists who can work with ADHD students and help them manage their social and academic progress. Additionally, some doctors might recommend focus groups where patients suffering from the same disorder meet in sessions to commiserate their experiences.
Whatever treatment plan or remedy for ADHD a medical professional advises, the responsibility for action rests not just with the patient. Parents, siblings, and teachers alike all must work collaboratively to ensure the best support for their loved-ones by helping to provide positive reinforcement and contributing to the sense of structure sought by whatever treatment is used. ADHD is not curable, but with the combination of treatment and support, most patients can live a normal lifestyle.
No tags for this post.Related posts
